As technology continues to advance, it is expected to replace specific jobs in various industries, which will have a significant impact on the workforce. Some jobs may become obsolete, while others may be re-imagined with technology.

One woman who recently entered an industry in which she had no previous experience is Julia Omelko, a junior developer at Troy Web Consulting. Omelko never imagined herself in this role just a few years after graduating from college.

"I come from a background of teaching and performing music. I had done that for quite a few years," Omelko said.

However, she switched gears and decided to become a student in an entirely different industry after teaching full-time for seven years. In a 2023 Research.com study, computer engineering topped the list as the best college major.

"I decided upon the recommendation of an acquaintance to check out Can Code. So I started there with a class. Prior to that, I started exploring coding a little bit on my own. I took the first class. I had a really wonderful experience," Omelko said.

A survey conducted by Harris Poll in 2021 found that 52% of U.S. workers were considering a job change, and as many as 44% had actual plans to make the leap. Omelko didn’t make that move via the traditional college route.

"I had already completed one degree a few years prior, and I wasn't really kind of keen on jumping into a whole another four-year program with all the costs and time associated," Omelko said.

She learned through a coding “boot camp,” a technical training program that teaches potential employees programming skills.

For Omelko, it's not knocking down those who chose to go to college, but rather making sure others are aware of cost-effective options available.

"You really don't need a college career to get that technology job and have a wonderful, rewarding career. So they are looking at options, and boot camps are definitely there," says Anthony Debonis, the president of Troy Web Consulting.